Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Weekend What's What 3/22-3/25
THURSDAY, MARCH 22
"FRANK: A Multimedia Photography Exhibition"
@ Trylon Microcinema
3258 Minnehaha Avenue
Minneapolis
6:30pm doors, showtimes every half hour from 7-10pm / FREE
The Big Lebowski, Kingpin, A League of Ordinary Gentlemen - bowling has long served as a dramatic (and usually comedic) backbone in film. But with new still film FRANK by local artist Anna Eveslage (a 2011 recipient of the Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board), the sport takes on a poignant tone. It tells the story of Frank, a man who mourns the loss of his wife through a field trip through the bowling landmarks of Minnesota. Set to voice-over narration and music, the project will screen as part of a one-night-only premiere. While bowling shirts are not required, a hanky might be. -Jahna Peloquin
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
THURSDAY, MARCH 22ND & FRIDAY MARCH 23RD
The 802 Tour: Nico Muhly, Sam Amidon, Doveman, and Nadia Sirota with the Laurels String Quartet
@ McGuire Theater at Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis
8pm / $22 ($18 Walker members)
The Walker is always willing to tease out the limits of artistic genres and eager to push the against the boundaries of the expected, so it is a perfect venue for the 802 Tour which collects like minded artists in performances that blur the line between classical, folk, and pop. The collective who produce these rich and captivating sounds includes renowned composer Nico Muhly, avant-garde folk artist Sam Amidon, violin virtuoso Nadia Sirota and ambient singer/songwriter Thomas “Doveman” Bartlett. The performance is further bolstered by the talented players from Minneapolis based Laurels String Quartet. The bios of each of these musicians show an amazing level of accolades, but each also show an interest in pop culture reinterpretations filtered through their experiences in the rarefied air of classical, jazz and folk. These old friends are bound to float some new musical ideas, and the loose format for this show should allow for impressive flights of fancy. If you’re looking for a staid interpretation of the classics, this show is not for you. If on the other hand you enjoy your music with a side of subversive surprise and a dash of the unexpected you’re on the right track. -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Walker Art Center site
FRIDAY, MARCH 22ND
Andrew W.K. "I Get Wet" 10-Year Anniversary Tour
@ First Avenue
701 First Avenue
Minneapolis
6pm / 18+ / $20
Get ready, get set; let’s rage. Andrew W.K. has entered the building. The king of rock ‘n roll, bloody noses and all things hard partying is set to perform his 2002 album I Get Wet at First Avenue this Friday. Rock out to well-known songs from his major-label debut album. And don’t worry, you won’t miss any - he plans to play ‘em all. Opening are Math the Band, an electro-punk, videogame-esque, East Coast duo, and semi-legendary dancehall artist and Lady Gaga-meets-Marilyn Manson lookalike Aleister X. -Stefani Arden
Click HERE for the First Avenue site
THURSDAY, MARCH 22ND
Peter Case of the Nerves
@ Amsterdam Bar & Hall
6 W 6th Street
St. Paul
8pm / 21+ / $10
Fans hoping to catch a rarefied Breakaways/Nerves/Plimsouls reunion show featuring Peter Case and Paul Collins will have to settle for Case's side of the magic tonight. The event was primed to have both Case and Collins on the bill, but it was announced earlier this week that the Beat's frontman Paul Collins has dropped off the lineup due to "the usual musical differences" (of course). Yes, it's a drag, but that's no reason to cross it off your list! Mr. Case – one part of legendary band the Nerves, who helped breed classics like “Hanging on the Telephone” and “Come Back Stay made later covered by Blondie and Paul Young – will be holding down the show rocking the Amsterdam stage backed by a full band. Expect hits from the Nerves and Case's Paisley Underground band, the Plimsouls, and prepare for a night that channels the sound that spawned a scene still alive and well today. Plus, catch an opening set from sister duo dreampop surf rockers, Summer Twins, whose sibling sound recalls '50s and '60s beach blanket tunes. BONUS: Can't make it to the show, but still hankering for some power-packin' guitar riff sound? Tune into 89.3 The Current tonight from 10 pm until midnight as Transmission's DJ Jake Rudh hosts a seamless episode dedicated to the early bands whose dynamic beats, stunning harmonies and memorable riffs defined the power pop genre. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
THURSDAY, MARCH 22 (THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 25)
"The Turin Horse"
@ Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis
7pm / $8 ($6 Walker members and students)
Béla Tarr’s The Turin Horse could be a period film about a poor farmer or a post-apocalyptic dream. The Hungarian filmmaker is known for testing the patience of his audience, but with his long takes and startling and captivating alchemy of image and sound, he has faith that a receptive viewer may find riches – the work will affect you, and so follow you into the future. The Turin Horse gets its title from a famous incident in the life of Friedrich Nietzsche, when the German philosopher collapsed on the streets of Turin after throwing his arms around a horse being whipped by its master. The moment was possibly a marriage between art and life, as a similar image occurs in Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky, whom Nietzsche revered, but we can’t be sure. What we do know is that the philosopher never recovered his sanity, and that the workings of his mind up to that point would greatly influence the world over the next century. Nietzsche isn’t in The Turin Horse, but we have a dream of the mythical animal and its owners, all encountering the weight of what it means to be alive. For people or for ideas, Tarr is saying, actions reverberate long after they occur. -Niles Schwartz
Click HERE for the Walker Art Center site
FRIDAY, MARCH 23RD
"∆": New Work by John Fleischer
@ Air Sweet Air Gallery
262 E 4th Street #203
St. Paul
7-10pm / FREE
Much like Prince's symbol years, the latest project from local artist John Fleischer is unpronounceable, at least for non-alien tongues. Fleischer's new work titled "∆," pits the mythological “axis mundi” as its focus, drawing on concepts of the symbolic center and cosmic properties. Poised as a series of sculptural installations, drawings, sound and projections, Fleischer dives further into his signature enigmatic realm, stirring elements of both the ephemeral and physical and creating compositions that reference the cabalistic and the transcendent. While your peeping the exhibit, try not to reference images from the Hipster Triangle tumblr, it'll just distract you. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for the Air Sweet Air Gallery site
FRIDAY, MARCH 23RD
Jonny Corndawg
@ Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis
8pm / 18+ / $10
Underground country-music legend Jonny Corndawg creates real old-fashioned music, the kind so classic that it seems utterly timeless. Meanwhile, the band avoids the obvious by gilding every song with a subversive edge that feels completely of the moment. Originally hailing from Virginia, Jonny has played on five continents in as many years, and also in every state in the lower 48, honing their touring chops. The band brings the scruffy charm of indie rock to the traditions of country, but this is decidedly not alt-country. Think of it instead as a weird alternate version of classic country music for those who like a story in every song and also enjoy modern wit and a bawdy worldview. Charleston, South Carolina country rock duo Shovels and Rope and singer/songwriter Robert Ellis round out the bill for an impressive evening of unique country music. -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the First Avenue site
FRIDAY, MARCH 23RD
Bassgasm 6
5pm / 18+ / $15 advance, $20 door
@ First Avenue
701 First Avenue N
Minneapolis
Bassgasm is back again, bringing an irresistible lineup of underground techno. The big draw this year are the Detroit Grand Pubahs, whose newest single "Sandwiches" transforms culinary art into trance-dance steps. Wave your glow sticks as one of the latest legendary techno funk sensations surprises you with off-center lyrics and hypnotizing beat. The almost-all-nighter highlights over 50 performers, including electronic composer Tipper and TC Dubstep will kick off their N$4W tour featuring Billy Blacklight, Bogtrotter and Smilodon. Make your very own debut appearance in the "You Be the DJ @Bassgasm" photo booth and take a souvenir photo. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for the First Avenue site
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
"Alex Kuno: The Miscreants of Tiny Town and Unknown Unknowns"
@ Cult Status Gallery
2913 Harriet Avenue S
Minneapolis
7pm–1am / FREE
You may already be familiar with the universe of local artist Alex Kuno and his ongoing series "The Miscreants of Tiny Town," which is filled with ghastly little figures within even more ghastly landscapes, situations and events. His super-human level of production over the last few years has meant the theme of disaster running through all his creations has been subtly evolving to explore related ideas about security, comfort and our own fears of terror and Terror (the latter being the one with which we are at War). The complexity of these works and the consistency of the representational style allows their evolution to become part of the artistic conversation. It’s fascinating to see Kuno’s familiar figures breaking free of their landscapes and the backgrounds themselves breaking down into vague, muddy approximations of scenes. Using Donald Rumsfeld’s classic 2002 political tongue-twister/Zen aphorism as an inspiration, Kuno shifts away from the satire of Armageddon so prevalent in his previous work and allows his characters to come to terms with the sad inevitability of the apocalypse. As usual, it’s strange, spooky and brilliant work. -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
FEAST MPLS: Round 6
6-9pm / FREE
@ Eagles Club 34
2507 E 25th Street
Minneapolis
A city is just not a city without art and now the people of Minneapolis have the chance to give back to the artists who keep its scene alive. FEAST allows artists to write proposals explaining in detail a project they would like to make a reality around the city. Make a cash donation and receive a delicious dinner as well as a ballot to vote on the project you think is worthy of the grant money. At this dinner, the grant-winning Bridging Minneapolis Project will present their first installation of murals hanging by the 24th Street pedestrian bridge by the West Phillips and Whittier neighborhoods. Visit the website, feastmpls.org and read the list of proposals up for vote at the dinner. Pick your favorite, make your donation and head to the Eagles Club for an evening of art appreciation, fine dining and the chance to enhance the aesthetic pleasures of the city. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
ARENA Bikini Beach Baby
@ Calhoun Beach Club
2925 Dean Parkway
Minneapolis
8pm / All Ages / $35 GA, $50 VIP
Get in the mood for summer early this Saturday with ARENA Dances annual fundraiser. The main mission of this fashion show, dance performance, and all around bikini party is to showcase the original choreography and dances of ARENA, raise money for the organization, and celebrate local fashion. When the doors open at 8, grab a cocktail at the cash bar and take part in a silent auction, then sit down and enjoy the show, which includes a performance by ARENA dancers and a fashion show featuring local designers Emma Berg, Adrienne Yancy, Jay Anderson, Kelly Ver Duin, and Anita Jensen, and local shops Nani Nalu, Drama Boutique and martinpatrick3. -Stefani Arden
Click HERE for the ARENA Dances site
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
Metallagher
@ Station 4
212 3rd Avenue N
Minneapolis
8:30pm / 21+ / $10 door, $8 advance
National novelty band Metallagher is filling an essential void in the universe by combining the watermelon smashing comedy antics of Gallagher (remember him?) with the metal stylings of Metallica. Metallagher is about 1ten times more entertaining than it has any right to be, and the other bands on this bill bring a similar - if slightly more subtle strangeness - to their world-class ability to Rock (with a capitol R). Local metal heads Nightosaur own the stage with remarkable and authentic energy which compliments their endearingly hirsute and inevitably shirtless performances. They skirt the edge between self-parody and earnest authenticity in the best possible way. Opener Reptile Christ features members of tons of local bands coming together to make awesomely morbid dark metal. If you’re at all interested in either rocking out with a bunch of metal heads or in seeing fleshy fruits violently crushed there is literally only one place for you to be this Saturday! -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
UMAMI / Buffalo Moon / Buffalo Moon / Speed’s the Name
@ Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / $6
This Saturday, head to the T-Rock for a stellar night of live local music. Up first is garage power rockers known for their angular retro sound, Speed’s the Name. Buffalo Moon, one of the hottest young bands in town, blends psych rock, jazz, punk, and bossa nova for a very Latin flavor. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Sleeping In the Aviary have described their sound as "fuzzed-out doo-wop" while headliners UMAMI bring a slinky, drugged out psych groove and super sexy dance vibe with electronic elements and dubstep beats. If you haven’t seen any one or all of these groups, this show is not to be missed. -Danielle Morris
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
UMAMI
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
feedtime + Condominium
@ Grumpy's Downtown
1111 Washington Avenue S
Minneapolis
8pm / 21+ / $15
'Tis the weekend for '80s legends, as Grumpy's presents Aussie post-punk vets feedtime, live in and in Minneapolis for the first time ever – hard to believe, yet true. Akin to experimental Brit punk rockers Wire, feedtime's epic shreds and stripped down rhythms sired a decade's worth of unapologetic, primal minimalist noise rock and electric blues. Don't miss feedtime's pre-hardcore glory paired next to arguably one of Minneapolis' finest modern hardcore bands, Condominium. Noise, guitar screech and more noise...believe us, the eardrum abuse will be well worth it. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for tickets
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
The 2nd Annual Mikey Max Heals the World Benefit
@ Cause Spirits and Soundbar
3001 Lyndale Avenue S
Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / $7 minimum donation
For the second year running, local do-gooder Mikey Max hosts an all-star party jam celebrating his birthday with all proceeds going to charity. The five-act lineup is diverse, ranging from folk-pop and R&B to reggae-infused hip hop and sexified electropop. It includes Ashley Gold, who carves out a genre all her own with her folk-pop charms, stand-out lyrics and powerful voice. Just Yoni is a Hebrew hip hop artist with a reggae vibe who has toured with the likes of Matisyahu. Minneapolis MC Moonlight Grammar is an ex-pop punker with sick lyrical flow. Lizzo and the Larva Ink is a collaboration between up-and-coming MC and vocalist Melissa Vivanne Jefferson and producer Johnny Lewis, who infuse gospel, soul, electro, hip-hop and a heady dance beat. Headlining are uber hotties Sexcat, who seduce with their super slinky '90s-tinged electro sounds and vocal melodies traded off between sex kittens Hannah von der Hoff and Megan Charles. With 100% of the proceeds going to local charities NIP (Neighborhood Involvement Program), Perspectives Inc., and Project for Pride in Living, this is partying for a very good cause. -Danielle Morris
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
Forever Young Slumber Party
9pm / 21+ / $5 or $7 after 10pm
@ James Ballentine VFW - Post 246
2916 Lyndale Avenue S
Minneapolis
Whoever said sleepovers were just for kids has never been to a slumber party in Uptown. Instead of pop and pizza, the Basement of the VFW is delivering drink specials. Keep your PJs on and dance to the oldie-but-goodie tunes by Justin Timberlake, Blink-182, Snoop Dogg and more artists you love but forget to listen to. With $3 and $4 drinks, you'll get tipsy and dance all night to songs from the 90s without having to sneak liquor out of your parents' stash. RSVP on Facebook and get in for $5. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
Editor in Chief: Jahna Peloquin / Contributors: Juleana Enright, Jahna Peloquin, Stefani Arden, Anthony Enright, Niles Schwartz, Danielle Morris, Meg Junkermeier
"FRANK: A Multimedia Photography Exhibition"
@ Trylon Microcinema
3258 Minnehaha Avenue
Minneapolis
6:30pm doors, showtimes every half hour from 7-10pm / FREE
The Big Lebowski, Kingpin, A League of Ordinary Gentlemen - bowling has long served as a dramatic (and usually comedic) backbone in film. But with new still film FRANK by local artist Anna Eveslage (a 2011 recipient of the Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board), the sport takes on a poignant tone. It tells the story of Frank, a man who mourns the loss of his wife through a field trip through the bowling landmarks of Minnesota. Set to voice-over narration and music, the project will screen as part of a one-night-only premiere. While bowling shirts are not required, a hanky might be. -Jahna Peloquin
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
THURSDAY, MARCH 22ND & FRIDAY MARCH 23RD
The 802 Tour: Nico Muhly, Sam Amidon, Doveman, and Nadia Sirota with the Laurels String Quartet
@ McGuire Theater at Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis
8pm / $22 ($18 Walker members)
The Walker is always willing to tease out the limits of artistic genres and eager to push the against the boundaries of the expected, so it is a perfect venue for the 802 Tour which collects like minded artists in performances that blur the line between classical, folk, and pop. The collective who produce these rich and captivating sounds includes renowned composer Nico Muhly, avant-garde folk artist Sam Amidon, violin virtuoso Nadia Sirota and ambient singer/songwriter Thomas “Doveman” Bartlett. The performance is further bolstered by the talented players from Minneapolis based Laurels String Quartet. The bios of each of these musicians show an amazing level of accolades, but each also show an interest in pop culture reinterpretations filtered through their experiences in the rarefied air of classical, jazz and folk. These old friends are bound to float some new musical ideas, and the loose format for this show should allow for impressive flights of fancy. If you’re looking for a staid interpretation of the classics, this show is not for you. If on the other hand you enjoy your music with a side of subversive surprise and a dash of the unexpected you’re on the right track. -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Walker Art Center site
FRIDAY, MARCH 22ND
Andrew W.K. "I Get Wet" 10-Year Anniversary Tour
@ First Avenue
701 First Avenue
Minneapolis
6pm / 18+ / $20
Get ready, get set; let’s rage. Andrew W.K. has entered the building. The king of rock ‘n roll, bloody noses and all things hard partying is set to perform his 2002 album I Get Wet at First Avenue this Friday. Rock out to well-known songs from his major-label debut album. And don’t worry, you won’t miss any - he plans to play ‘em all. Opening are Math the Band, an electro-punk, videogame-esque, East Coast duo, and semi-legendary dancehall artist and Lady Gaga-meets-Marilyn Manson lookalike Aleister X. -Stefani Arden
Click HERE for the First Avenue site
THURSDAY, MARCH 22ND
Peter Case of the Nerves
@ Amsterdam Bar & Hall
6 W 6th Street
St. Paul
8pm / 21+ / $10
Fans hoping to catch a rarefied Breakaways/Nerves/Plimsouls reunion show featuring Peter Case and Paul Collins will have to settle for Case's side of the magic tonight. The event was primed to have both Case and Collins on the bill, but it was announced earlier this week that the Beat's frontman Paul Collins has dropped off the lineup due to "the usual musical differences" (of course). Yes, it's a drag, but that's no reason to cross it off your list! Mr. Case – one part of legendary band the Nerves, who helped breed classics like “Hanging on the Telephone” and “Come Back Stay made later covered by Blondie and Paul Young – will be holding down the show rocking the Amsterdam stage backed by a full band. Expect hits from the Nerves and Case's Paisley Underground band, the Plimsouls, and prepare for a night that channels the sound that spawned a scene still alive and well today. Plus, catch an opening set from sister duo dreampop surf rockers, Summer Twins, whose sibling sound recalls '50s and '60s beach blanket tunes. BONUS: Can't make it to the show, but still hankering for some power-packin' guitar riff sound? Tune into 89.3 The Current tonight from 10 pm until midnight as Transmission's DJ Jake Rudh hosts a seamless episode dedicated to the early bands whose dynamic beats, stunning harmonies and memorable riffs defined the power pop genre. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
THURSDAY, MARCH 22 (THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 25)
"The Turin Horse"
@ Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis
7pm / $8 ($6 Walker members and students)
Béla Tarr’s The Turin Horse could be a period film about a poor farmer or a post-apocalyptic dream. The Hungarian filmmaker is known for testing the patience of his audience, but with his long takes and startling and captivating alchemy of image and sound, he has faith that a receptive viewer may find riches – the work will affect you, and so follow you into the future. The Turin Horse gets its title from a famous incident in the life of Friedrich Nietzsche, when the German philosopher collapsed on the streets of Turin after throwing his arms around a horse being whipped by its master. The moment was possibly a marriage between art and life, as a similar image occurs in Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky, whom Nietzsche revered, but we can’t be sure. What we do know is that the philosopher never recovered his sanity, and that the workings of his mind up to that point would greatly influence the world over the next century. Nietzsche isn’t in The Turin Horse, but we have a dream of the mythical animal and its owners, all encountering the weight of what it means to be alive. For people or for ideas, Tarr is saying, actions reverberate long after they occur. -Niles Schwartz
Click HERE for the Walker Art Center site
FRIDAY, MARCH 23RD
"∆": New Work by John Fleischer
@ Air Sweet Air Gallery
262 E 4th Street #203
St. Paul
7-10pm / FREE
Much like Prince's symbol years, the latest project from local artist John Fleischer is unpronounceable, at least for non-alien tongues. Fleischer's new work titled "∆," pits the mythological “axis mundi” as its focus, drawing on concepts of the symbolic center and cosmic properties. Poised as a series of sculptural installations, drawings, sound and projections, Fleischer dives further into his signature enigmatic realm, stirring elements of both the ephemeral and physical and creating compositions that reference the cabalistic and the transcendent. While your peeping the exhibit, try not to reference images from the Hipster Triangle tumblr, it'll just distract you. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for the Air Sweet Air Gallery site
FRIDAY, MARCH 23RD
Jonny Corndawg
@ Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis
8pm / 18+ / $10
Underground country-music legend Jonny Corndawg creates real old-fashioned music, the kind so classic that it seems utterly timeless. Meanwhile, the band avoids the obvious by gilding every song with a subversive edge that feels completely of the moment. Originally hailing from Virginia, Jonny has played on five continents in as many years, and also in every state in the lower 48, honing their touring chops. The band brings the scruffy charm of indie rock to the traditions of country, but this is decidedly not alt-country. Think of it instead as a weird alternate version of classic country music for those who like a story in every song and also enjoy modern wit and a bawdy worldview. Charleston, South Carolina country rock duo Shovels and Rope and singer/songwriter Robert Ellis round out the bill for an impressive evening of unique country music. -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the First Avenue site
FRIDAY, MARCH 23RD
Bassgasm 6
5pm / 18+ / $15 advance, $20 door
@ First Avenue
701 First Avenue N
Minneapolis
Bassgasm is back again, bringing an irresistible lineup of underground techno. The big draw this year are the Detroit Grand Pubahs, whose newest single "Sandwiches" transforms culinary art into trance-dance steps. Wave your glow sticks as one of the latest legendary techno funk sensations surprises you with off-center lyrics and hypnotizing beat. The almost-all-nighter highlights over 50 performers, including electronic composer Tipper and TC Dubstep will kick off their N$4W tour featuring Billy Blacklight, Bogtrotter and Smilodon. Make your very own debut appearance in the "You Be the DJ @Bassgasm" photo booth and take a souvenir photo. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for the First Avenue site
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
"Alex Kuno: The Miscreants of Tiny Town and Unknown Unknowns"
@ Cult Status Gallery
2913 Harriet Avenue S
Minneapolis
7pm–1am / FREE
You may already be familiar with the universe of local artist Alex Kuno and his ongoing series "The Miscreants of Tiny Town," which is filled with ghastly little figures within even more ghastly landscapes, situations and events. His super-human level of production over the last few years has meant the theme of disaster running through all his creations has been subtly evolving to explore related ideas about security, comfort and our own fears of terror and Terror (the latter being the one with which we are at War). The complexity of these works and the consistency of the representational style allows their evolution to become part of the artistic conversation. It’s fascinating to see Kuno’s familiar figures breaking free of their landscapes and the backgrounds themselves breaking down into vague, muddy approximations of scenes. Using Donald Rumsfeld’s classic 2002 political tongue-twister/Zen aphorism as an inspiration, Kuno shifts away from the satire of Armageddon so prevalent in his previous work and allows his characters to come to terms with the sad inevitability of the apocalypse. As usual, it’s strange, spooky and brilliant work. -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
FEAST MPLS: Round 6
6-9pm / FREE
@ Eagles Club 34
2507 E 25th Street
Minneapolis
A city is just not a city without art and now the people of Minneapolis have the chance to give back to the artists who keep its scene alive. FEAST allows artists to write proposals explaining in detail a project they would like to make a reality around the city. Make a cash donation and receive a delicious dinner as well as a ballot to vote on the project you think is worthy of the grant money. At this dinner, the grant-winning Bridging Minneapolis Project will present their first installation of murals hanging by the 24th Street pedestrian bridge by the West Phillips and Whittier neighborhoods. Visit the website, feastmpls.org and read the list of proposals up for vote at the dinner. Pick your favorite, make your donation and head to the Eagles Club for an evening of art appreciation, fine dining and the chance to enhance the aesthetic pleasures of the city. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
ARENA Bikini Beach Baby
@ Calhoun Beach Club
2925 Dean Parkway
Minneapolis
8pm / All Ages / $35 GA, $50 VIP
Get in the mood for summer early this Saturday with ARENA Dances annual fundraiser. The main mission of this fashion show, dance performance, and all around bikini party is to showcase the original choreography and dances of ARENA, raise money for the organization, and celebrate local fashion. When the doors open at 8, grab a cocktail at the cash bar and take part in a silent auction, then sit down and enjoy the show, which includes a performance by ARENA dancers and a fashion show featuring local designers Emma Berg, Adrienne Yancy, Jay Anderson, Kelly Ver Duin, and Anita Jensen, and local shops Nani Nalu, Drama Boutique and martinpatrick3. -Stefani Arden
Click HERE for the ARENA Dances site
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
Metallagher
@ Station 4
212 3rd Avenue N
Minneapolis
8:30pm / 21+ / $10 door, $8 advance
National novelty band Metallagher is filling an essential void in the universe by combining the watermelon smashing comedy antics of Gallagher (remember him?) with the metal stylings of Metallica. Metallagher is about 1ten times more entertaining than it has any right to be, and the other bands on this bill bring a similar - if slightly more subtle strangeness - to their world-class ability to Rock (with a capitol R). Local metal heads Nightosaur own the stage with remarkable and authentic energy which compliments their endearingly hirsute and inevitably shirtless performances. They skirt the edge between self-parody and earnest authenticity in the best possible way. Opener Reptile Christ features members of tons of local bands coming together to make awesomely morbid dark metal. If you’re at all interested in either rocking out with a bunch of metal heads or in seeing fleshy fruits violently crushed there is literally only one place for you to be this Saturday! -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
UMAMI / Buffalo Moon / Buffalo Moon / Speed’s the Name
@ Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / $6
This Saturday, head to the T-Rock for a stellar night of live local music. Up first is garage power rockers known for their angular retro sound, Speed’s the Name. Buffalo Moon, one of the hottest young bands in town, blends psych rock, jazz, punk, and bossa nova for a very Latin flavor. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Sleeping In the Aviary have described their sound as "fuzzed-out doo-wop" while headliners UMAMI bring a slinky, drugged out psych groove and super sexy dance vibe with electronic elements and dubstep beats. If you haven’t seen any one or all of these groups, this show is not to be missed. -Danielle Morris
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
UMAMISATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
feedtime + Condominium
@ Grumpy's Downtown
1111 Washington Avenue S
Minneapolis
8pm / 21+ / $15
'Tis the weekend for '80s legends, as Grumpy's presents Aussie post-punk vets feedtime, live in and in Minneapolis for the first time ever – hard to believe, yet true. Akin to experimental Brit punk rockers Wire, feedtime's epic shreds and stripped down rhythms sired a decade's worth of unapologetic, primal minimalist noise rock and electric blues. Don't miss feedtime's pre-hardcore glory paired next to arguably one of Minneapolis' finest modern hardcore bands, Condominium. Noise, guitar screech and more noise...believe us, the eardrum abuse will be well worth it. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for tickets
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
The 2nd Annual Mikey Max Heals the World Benefit
@ Cause Spirits and Soundbar
3001 Lyndale Avenue S
Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / $7 minimum donation
For the second year running, local do-gooder Mikey Max hosts an all-star party jam celebrating his birthday with all proceeds going to charity. The five-act lineup is diverse, ranging from folk-pop and R&B to reggae-infused hip hop and sexified electropop. It includes Ashley Gold, who carves out a genre all her own with her folk-pop charms, stand-out lyrics and powerful voice. Just Yoni is a Hebrew hip hop artist with a reggae vibe who has toured with the likes of Matisyahu. Minneapolis MC Moonlight Grammar is an ex-pop punker with sick lyrical flow. Lizzo and the Larva Ink is a collaboration between up-and-coming MC and vocalist Melissa Vivanne Jefferson and producer Johnny Lewis, who infuse gospel, soul, electro, hip-hop and a heady dance beat. Headlining are uber hotties Sexcat, who seduce with their super slinky '90s-tinged electro sounds and vocal melodies traded off between sex kittens Hannah von der Hoff and Megan Charles. With 100% of the proceeds going to local charities NIP (Neighborhood Involvement Program), Perspectives Inc., and Project for Pride in Living, this is partying for a very good cause. -Danielle Morris
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH
Forever Young Slumber Party
9pm / 21+ / $5 or $7 after 10pm
@ James Ballentine VFW - Post 246
2916 Lyndale Avenue S
Minneapolis
Whoever said sleepovers were just for kids has never been to a slumber party in Uptown. Instead of pop and pizza, the Basement of the VFW is delivering drink specials. Keep your PJs on and dance to the oldie-but-goodie tunes by Justin Timberlake, Blink-182, Snoop Dogg and more artists you love but forget to listen to. With $3 and $4 drinks, you'll get tipsy and dance all night to songs from the 90s without having to sneak liquor out of your parents' stash. RSVP on Facebook and get in for $5. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
Editor in Chief: Jahna Peloquin / Contributors: Juleana Enright, Jahna Peloquin, Stefani Arden, Anthony Enright, Niles Schwartz, Danielle Morris, Meg Junkermeier
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Le'TALK: Mark McGee of Basuketto
by Juleana Enright
A new improvisational collective has taken up residency at the Red Stag Supperclub on Wednesdays during the month of March. We know what you're thinking: how is watching someone else's jam session any fun? But trust us, the Red Stag's Basuketto residency is nothing like being dragged to your friend's band practice, hanging in a basement awaiting a night full of false starts and endless loops.
Featuring central members Mark McGee (Father You See Queen, Votel, Marijuana Deathsquads, To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie) and Ben Clark (Votel, Cecil Otter, Doomtree), Basuketto unites Twin Cities musicians - such as Nona Marie Invie (Dark Dark Dark), JT Bates (Alpha Consumer, the Pines, Bryan Nichols Quartet), electronic beat conspirator Albert Elmore, Adam Marx (Father You See Queen, the Cloak Ox) and super-producer Ryan Olson (Gayngs, Poliça, Marijuana Deathsquads) - from a variety of genres to explore time constraints, tempo, sound and vocal arrangements live. What results is an eclectic mix of original collaborative work from some of the most innovative artists under the TC radar.
Mark McGee. Photo by Robyn Lewis
Tonight, Clark and McGee are joined by fellow Votel bandmate and former Lookbook and Digitata vocalist Maggie Morrison to tackle the lascivious synth sounds and pulsating metallic beats of Swedish electronica duo The Knife. We caught up with Basuketto curator Mark McGee to chat about the criteria for selecting the weekly rooster, the art of improv and how musicians can benefit from practicing an “open” relationship with their bandmates.
l'étoile: First off, tell us about Basuketto. What was the inspiration behind it?
McGee: Originally Basuketto was basuketto buro, Japanese for basketball. Basketball is one of the most improvisational sports.
l'étoile: From Nona of Dark Dark Dark to Aby Wolf and Joey Van Phillips, many of this project's guests – past and present – are musicians who are no strangers to working within collaborations and collectives. Is this one of the prerequisites for choosing the lineup?
McGee: No, not really. We are interested in seeing what will happen in an improv environment, regardless of any prior experience. Hopefully, if we continue this, we will work with more musicians that have no improv experiences.
l'étoile: Basuketto isn't completely an “anything goes” type of improv format. The performers are asked to maintain a certain criteria as far as time, tempo and a few other technical aspects are concerned. How do you prepare each guest to stay within these confines during their set? Does any sort of “practice” set go on between you and your guests before the night of?
McGee: We do two sets. A cover set, which we do light rehearsals before the set. The second is pure improv. We decide time, tempo, and key right before. I'm excited for this week's covers. Maggie Morrison is doing The Knife and Aby Wolf is doing Björk the next week.
l'étoile: Music duos seem to be the trend “du jour” in local music. They take us by storm, become buzzworthy, but also have a tendency to fizzle out just as fast as they caught ablaze. Local collectives tend to have more longevity. Do you see music as having monogamous and polyamorous qualities? Do you think bands who add a little variety into their “relationship” – in the form of a side project or a solo act – tend to flourish and grow on a creative level?
McGee: I think every artist benefits from multiple experiences. Basuketto has been an inspiration for me personally. But, yes, playing with multiple people does grow the creative level, in my opinion.
l'étoile: Creatively and personally, do you find it easier to interact with people who have had experience working with a variety of musicians and cross genres compared to those who have mainly stuck to small bands?
McGee: Yes, I always learn from different artists, and the more genres the better. I really want to work with more jazz and country players.
l'étoile: Locally, with whom are you dying to collaborate you haven't yet worked with?
McGee: I really don't want to say, I mean I don't want to jinx my chances.
l'etoile: There are two more performances of Basuketto left. Can we expect other improv-focused projects from you and Ben in the near future?
McGee: Yes, we are going to play at the Turf Club on May 25 with Laliberte and Votel is opening up for Big Freedia on May 11.
Basuketto plays free shows tonight and next Wednesday, March 28 at the Red Stag Supperclub (509 1st Avenue NE, Minneapolis) at 10 p.m.
A new improvisational collective has taken up residency at the Red Stag Supperclub on Wednesdays during the month of March. We know what you're thinking: how is watching someone else's jam session any fun? But trust us, the Red Stag's Basuketto residency is nothing like being dragged to your friend's band practice, hanging in a basement awaiting a night full of false starts and endless loops.
Featuring central members Mark McGee (Father You See Queen, Votel, Marijuana Deathsquads, To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie) and Ben Clark (Votel, Cecil Otter, Doomtree), Basuketto unites Twin Cities musicians - such as Nona Marie Invie (Dark Dark Dark), JT Bates (Alpha Consumer, the Pines, Bryan Nichols Quartet), electronic beat conspirator Albert Elmore, Adam Marx (Father You See Queen, the Cloak Ox) and super-producer Ryan Olson (Gayngs, Poliça, Marijuana Deathsquads) - from a variety of genres to explore time constraints, tempo, sound and vocal arrangements live. What results is an eclectic mix of original collaborative work from some of the most innovative artists under the TC radar.
Mark McGee. Photo by Robyn LewisTonight, Clark and McGee are joined by fellow Votel bandmate and former Lookbook and Digitata vocalist Maggie Morrison to tackle the lascivious synth sounds and pulsating metallic beats of Swedish electronica duo The Knife. We caught up with Basuketto curator Mark McGee to chat about the criteria for selecting the weekly rooster, the art of improv and how musicians can benefit from practicing an “open” relationship with their bandmates.
l'étoile: First off, tell us about Basuketto. What was the inspiration behind it?
McGee: Originally Basuketto was basuketto buro, Japanese for basketball. Basketball is one of the most improvisational sports.
l'étoile: From Nona of Dark Dark Dark to Aby Wolf and Joey Van Phillips, many of this project's guests – past and present – are musicians who are no strangers to working within collaborations and collectives. Is this one of the prerequisites for choosing the lineup?
McGee: No, not really. We are interested in seeing what will happen in an improv environment, regardless of any prior experience. Hopefully, if we continue this, we will work with more musicians that have no improv experiences.
l'étoile: Basuketto isn't completely an “anything goes” type of improv format. The performers are asked to maintain a certain criteria as far as time, tempo and a few other technical aspects are concerned. How do you prepare each guest to stay within these confines during their set? Does any sort of “practice” set go on between you and your guests before the night of?
McGee: We do two sets. A cover set, which we do light rehearsals before the set. The second is pure improv. We decide time, tempo, and key right before. I'm excited for this week's covers. Maggie Morrison is doing The Knife and Aby Wolf is doing Björk the next week.
l'étoile: Music duos seem to be the trend “du jour” in local music. They take us by storm, become buzzworthy, but also have a tendency to fizzle out just as fast as they caught ablaze. Local collectives tend to have more longevity. Do you see music as having monogamous and polyamorous qualities? Do you think bands who add a little variety into their “relationship” – in the form of a side project or a solo act – tend to flourish and grow on a creative level?
McGee: I think every artist benefits from multiple experiences. Basuketto has been an inspiration for me personally. But, yes, playing with multiple people does grow the creative level, in my opinion.
l'étoile: Creatively and personally, do you find it easier to interact with people who have had experience working with a variety of musicians and cross genres compared to those who have mainly stuck to small bands?
McGee: Yes, I always learn from different artists, and the more genres the better. I really want to work with more jazz and country players.
l'étoile: Locally, with whom are you dying to collaborate you haven't yet worked with?
McGee: I really don't want to say, I mean I don't want to jinx my chances.
l'etoile: There are two more performances of Basuketto left. Can we expect other improv-focused projects from you and Ben in the near future?
McGee: Yes, we are going to play at the Turf Club on May 25 with Laliberte and Votel is opening up for Big Freedia on May 11.
Basuketto plays free shows tonight and next Wednesday, March 28 at the Red Stag Supperclub (509 1st Avenue NE, Minneapolis) at 10 p.m.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Weekend What's What 3/15-3/18
Spring is in the air and St. Paddy's Day is upon us, so you know what that means - it's time to shed those layers and shake it on the dancefloor! This weekend, imbibe and be merry, whether you're celebrating your Irish heritage or just the nice weather.
xo-l'étoile
THURSDAY, MARCH 15
Third Thursday at MIA: SportsCenter
6-9pm / FREE
@ Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Avenue S
Minneapolis
For this month's Third Thursday, the MIA is putting the aesthetics in athletics! View the ongoing "The Sports Show" exhibition, an installation of photography and video clips exploring the evolution of sports and their effects on social, political and cultural levels. Breaking a sweat is encouraged whether you are dancing to the beats of the World Class Art Thieves, trying your hand at fast-paced pub quizzes from Trivia Mafia, or competing at KINECT Season 2. At half-time, head over to the MAEP (Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program) Gallery for the opening receptions for "Standards" by Mark Ostapchuk and "90º South" by Chris Willcox, whose paintings will be the starting point for a performance by jazz vocalist Lee Engele and a discussion by physics professor Dr. Robert Jacobel. Also opening is the annual MCAD@MIA collaborative project "Field Inversion," a site-specific sculpture susspended along the Target Wing staircase by MCAD students Luke Axelson and Josh Ritenour. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for the MIA site.
THURSDAY, MARCH 15TH
"Lush Floral Refractions"
@ Nina Bliese Gallery
225 S 6th Street, Suite 100
Minneapolis
5-8pm / FREE
If our early spring has you longing for the still to come blooms of summer, the verdant abstractions of artist Polly Norman may tide you over for a few more weeks. Using a unique combination of distorted photography, photo enhancement, and hand painting techniques, Norman creates multi-layered floral vignettes that are never literal but always vibrant and engrossing. The variety and open texture of her work leaves the pieces open to endless individual interpretation while their luxuriant abstraction lends itself to appreciation on a purely aesthetic level. While Norman has worked with various non-representational styles in the past, this exhibit showcases a rich trove of large hand-painted works and is a great introduction to her abstract style. This truly lush exhibit will make you feel like Spring has in fact finally sprung, if only in the artist’s colorful prints. -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
THURSDAY, MARCH 15 & FRIDAY, MARCH 16
Robyne Robinson Lecture Series: "Women of Design: Matters of the Heart" & "The Impact of Global Urbanism on Art and Design"
4-7pm Thursday & 6:30-9:30pm Friday / FREE
@ International Market Square / Minneapolis Design Center (Thursday)
275 Market Street
Minneapolis
@ O'Shaughnessy Educational Center Auditorium & Gallery (Friday)
2115 Summit Avenue
St. Paul
This weekend, philanthropist, jewelry designer and art collector Robyne Robinson will be making two public appearances - and offering two chances to shop her designs. As part of the ongoing "Women of Design" series, on Thursday she will be in the Doncaster Studio at the International Market Square, where attendees will have the opportunity to meet the designer, browse her jewelry and hear how her business came to life. Friday at the University of St. Thomas, Robinson will give a lecture on global urbanism and its effect on art and design, which will be accompanied by an exhibition that includes dyed and beaded tea bags made by South African women, handcrafted for Robyne's ROX Jewelry line. Treating yourself or someone special to her jewelry is encouraged; the proceeds will go toward these women living in townships near Pretoria who donate it to children in Soshunguve and missionary work. Sounds like a win-win. Pieces from her art collection as well as her own jewelry will be on display. The exhibition will run through April 13 and a reception will follow the lecture in the gallery. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for Thursday's event invite and HERE for Friday's event.
THURSDAY, MARCH 15TH
Perish: The Funeral and the Twilight & Transitional Species
@ Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Avenue SE
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / FREE
Why chose between a night of dancing and an evening of live shows when you can have your cake and dance with it too? Kitty Cat Klub-hosted monthly series Perish rotates the best in live local post-punk, new wave, death rock, minimal synth, industrial and experimental – and everything else under the darkwave umbrella – bands with DJ-spun tunes of the same caliber. This month's installment features a live set from Christian Death-esque chamber organ rockers, The Funeral and the Twilight, plus live music from Transitional Species whose eerie DIY beats could fit as the background music to Satan's workhouse. In between sets, prime yourself for a feast of uber-dark dance-floor worthy tracks. The shadows are you friend. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
THURSDAY, MARCH 15TH
Lady O'Parts: Lass Sass
@ Clubhouse Jäger
923 Washington Avenue N
Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / Free
Looking for somewhere to back that ass up tonight? Look no further than Clubhouse Jäger, where lady DJ crew Lady Parts will be starting the St. Paddy's Day debauchery early. Susannah Dodge, Emily Roberts Holden, and Syril McNally will be flippin' hot wax for your dancing pleasure all the live-long night, complete with boozy delights, slung by none other than l'étoile's resident bitchelor, Robyn Lewis. There's a pot o'gold at the end of this rainbow - in the form of $5 Jamesons and $2.50 Miller High Live Tallboys.
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH
"365D: Three Hundred and Sixty Five Days of a Woman"
@ Icebox Gallery
1500 Jackson Street NE #443
Minneapolis
6-10pm / FREE
The relationship between the camera and the female portrait has long been fraught at best and oppressive at worst (i.e., that pesky "male gaze" your Cultural Studies professor was always going on about). At a particularly dark period of exploitative media representation of women in their home country of Italy, celebrated photographer Sham Hinchey and project director Marzia Messina set out to upend that paradigm of distortion they saw as the status quo. Their project consisted of a photographic survey of 365 Italian women (one per day for a year) from every sphere of society. The subjects are treated on an equal footing with their portraiture composed and lit to democratize their differences while highlighting each individual’s uniqueness. The exhibit - which has previously shown in Rome and Milan - offers a fascinating attempt to capture a sincere view of the modern Italian woman without either exploitation or sentimentality. Each photograph is displayed with the woman’s personal story of an incident in her life which happened on the day of the photo, a curatorial detail that adds depth and immediacy to each portrait. Ultimately the exhibit becomes as much about authenticity, individuality, and the chance to tell a personal story as about any political statement. These are universal themes that transcend a specific time or nation of origin and create an emotional viewing experience. -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Icebox Gallery site.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH
The "Just Vote No" Show
@ Bryant-Lake Bowl
810 W Lake St
Minneapolis
10pm (9:30pm doors) / $6-$24 sliding scale
If you're anything like us, watching the heated and seemingly endless debates over the Anti-Marriage Amendment more makes you want to lob something at the tv/radio than jauntily chuckle. Thankfully, local activist organization Outfront Minnesota has concocted an anti-amendment variety show and live commentary that puts a much needed satiric twist on the dispute. The one-night only performance features local burlesque performers Foxy Tann, Sweetpea and Nadine DuBois (pictured below), and Mistress Victoria Deville, plus cameos from comedic authors John Jodzio, Brian Beatty, Eric Vrooman, Matt Ryan, Matt Mauch, Regan Smith and Courtney Algeo. All proceeds benefit Outfront Minnesota, so give what you can and get ready to laugh the gay marriage ban blues away...at least for the night. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for the Bryant-Lake Bowl site.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)
Renovate – A Choreographer's Evening
@ Ritz Theater
345 13th Avenue NE
Minneapolis
8pm / $18
Highlighting an innovative and dynamic array of fresh faces and local veterans, the fifth annual choreographer's showcase "Renovate" releases its dexterous fury on the Ritz this weekend with an eclectic program not to be missed. Curated by Ballet of the Dolls member Lisa Conlin, Renovate's line-up features new works ranging from the contemporary to experimental from 12 local dancemakers including faves Jaime Carrera, who is debuting his latest dance work, "Residency," as well as Denise Armstead, Lindsay Anderson, Angharad Davies, Carrie Lande, Jennifer Mack, and Sarah LaRose-Holland. Riveting, provocative and audacious, this definitely isn't your granny's ballet. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for the Ritz Theater site.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH
Worldwide Discotheque
@ Clubhouse Jäger
923 Washington Avenue N
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / FREE
Get warmed up for St. Paddy’s Day, Club Jäger style, a day early with monthly all-vinyl DJ party Worldwide Discotheque. The dance party features DJ Brian Engel of Hotpants and Hipshaker fame and DJ Steely from the Kinda Cloudy Radio show on KFAI. Get ready to get funky - the masterfully mixed and endlessly dynamic old-school beats set the tone for the evening, spanning genres including funk, Afro Beat, disco, boogie, salsa, reggae, highlife, Cumbia, boogaloo, rocksteady, dancehall and ska. Adding an additional shot of spice to the evening is DJ D.O., who will make a guest appearance. -Stefani Arden
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH
Stutter Rock
@ Cause Spirits & Soundbar
3001 Lyndale Avenue S
Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / $5
What's better than a stellar lineup of local bands rocking out at Cause for a measly five bucks? That would of course be a night of rock where all the proceeds benefit a great cause. The 12 Foundation hosts this awesome evening of music with all proceeds going to the National Stuttering Association as they help the nearly one in 20 Americans who suffer from stuttering get treatment and support to improve their quality of life. Stuttering has directly affected some of the artists and organizers of this event so they know first-hand how essential support can be. Beyond the warm and fuzzy feeling you'll get from helping out, the first rate lineup is sure to put on a kick-ass show. Local folk-pop artist Greg Thompson brings his charming and irreverent songs to the stage, while dark local rockers Ghost Towns of The West present a wall of complex aural soundscapes. Local folk-funk quintet Loki have just come just off a successful EP release and are an exciting live act to catch. We're loving the good vibes of this show so come on out, be entertained and rack up a couple of much needed karma points of your own! -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
Ghost Towns of the West
FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH
Wants Vs Needs
@ The Record Room at First Avenue
701 1st Avenue N
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / $5
All right, sure, there’s a slew of dance parties around town ever weekend, but the monthly Wants Vs. Needs is nothing to scoff at. The ultra-talented crew of DJs Petey Wheatstraw, Espada, Anton, Booka B and So Gold practically guarantee a no-frills night of hip-hop, disco, and R&B that should appeal to vinyl heads and those simply looking to get their groove on alike. In addition to it being Espada's birthday (oh snap!) they'll also have limited-edition shirts designed by The Pressure™ to give away. It's a night you won't want to miss.
Click HERE for the First avenue site.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
"The Light/Dark Show: Isolating the Senses"
@ The Third Place Gallery
3730 Chicago Avenue S
Minneapolis
7pm / $5-$10 suggested donation
In a decade of constant stimulation by an overwhelming array of ads, images, visuals and audio, sometimes we yearn for a moment of silence – even if it means missing an email. Before you hit up Google search for the nearest isolation tank, take a peek at Yes!Let's Collective's latest kinesthesiac exhibit, "The Light/Dark Show: Isolating the Senses," hosted by noted local photographer Wing Young Huie's gallery, the Third Place. Playing with the concepts of perception and deprivation, the Light/Dark artists take their audience through a world first devoid of sound, then through complete darkness, forcing the audience to rely on their remaining senses to soak up the experience. The exhibit features art from locals Colin Kopp (pictured below), Ali Rogers, Bridget Blatzheim, Alfonso Fernandez and more, and ends with an interactive discussion with the artists.
Click HERE for Wing Young Huie's site.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
40 Days of Art with Venus
@ Venus’ Studio
212 3rd Avenue N, #8B
Minneapolis
9pm / pay what you can
Local artist and infamous gender-bending performer Venus DeMars of All the Pretty Horses hosts the third of four planned in-studio events mixing acoustic performance, poetry, and art in a casual, creative environment. Venus will perform an acoustic set along with local poet and spoken word performer Jeffery Skemp and East Cost singer-songwriter Mercury Mad. Skemp is well know in local poetry circles both for his written work and his strong poetry performances that often mix music and poetry. Mercury Mad shares a gender-ambiguous glam rock gene with Venus and with his band The Plastic Bitch's rocks the edge of gender-slam performance. Mercury's set this evening will be sans electric shredding and stripped down to the acoustic essence. Venus's lovely “tiny paintings” will also be on exhibit and if you haven't yet seen them they're well worth checking out. BIOONUS: If you can't make it out you can watch a live stream of the proceedings at www.venusdemars.com. -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
The Mad Ripple St. Paddy’s Day Hoot for Slim Dunlap
@ Amsterdam Bar and Hall
6 W 6th Street
St. Paul
8pm / 21+ / FREE
Bring your St. Paddy’s Day spirit and come celebrate the music of rock singer-songwriter and former Replacements guitarist Slim Dunlap. The local musician and patron saint of the Hoot recently suffered from a stroke, so this Saturday, his friends, fellow musicians and fans alike are invited to gather and celebrate his ever-growing, steady progress toward recovery. The “Hoot” - AKA The Mad Ripple Hootenanny - is a roundtable call-and-response smorgasbord, bringing countless singers and songwriters together in the name of sharing and making music. Tonight's colorful lineup of local musicians will perform songs by Slim, written about Slim and covers inspired by Slim. Come share your light, love, and music, and drink to the health and strong spirit of Slim Dunlap. -Stefani Arden
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17
"Sammy the Mouse Vol. 1" & "TOOTH" Release Event
@ Big Table Studio
375 Wabasha Street N
St. Paul
7-10pm / FREE
Though the world has already seen the publication of the third of the four-volume "Sammy the Mouse" series by Zak Sally, the nationally-renowned comic book artist (and former bassist in slowcore band Low) is celebrating the formal hard copy release of Volume 1 with a release party at St. Paul's Big Table Studio. The Duluth native's surreal masterpiece utilizes a traditional, 1920s-inspired comic strip style of cartooning - seemingly as a template to explore some deeply personal aspects of the comic artist's own life. Joining him will be fellow cartoonist Dale Flattum, whose recently released tome TOOTH: The Graphic Art of Dale Flattum showcases 25 years of his graphic art throughout 250 pages, mixing posters, illustrations and propaganda into a semi-autobiographical history as told through a Xerox machine. It also incorporates his musical past via the addition of a CD of music pulled from the author’s shady nine year musical past in the bands Steel Pole Bath Tub, Milk Cult, The Nein, and Agent Nova. -Jahna Peloquin
Click HERE for the Big Table Studio site.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
Pot o’ Gold Lamé Bike Ride
@ starts at Freewheel Midtown Bike Center
2834 10th Avenue S
Minneapolis
5-7pm / FREE
Oh no, you are not seriously considering going out on St. Paddy's day in that shamrock ensemble are you? Gurl, don't you know it's been decreed that all the sexiest lads and lasses shall only cover their asses in gold - lamé, of course, anything else would be lame - on this the most holy of drinking days? We'll maybe you didn't know, cause we're pretty sure the cheeky folks over at the Queer Bike Gang just made that rule up to supercharge the sexy on their already smokin' bike event. If you don't own any gold lamé there's no need to panic, the organizers also encourage any apparel that's sparkly, shiny, spandex, fluorescent, iridescent, glittery and/or sequined. We're thinking picture what your favorite contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race would wear under the circumstances and then kick it up a notch! And hell, if you think you can pull it off, even your birthday suit may be enough for the predicted 77 degree temps. Who needs green beer when you can bike your sexy gams off with the QBG and all the Pot o' Gold-clad hotties! -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
St. Patrick's Day at First Avenue with E.L.nO.
@ First Avenue
701 1st Avenue N
Minneapolis
6pm / 18+ / $7
Looking for the best place to get paddy whacked this St. Patrick's day, bragh? Go green at First Avenue with E.L.nO. and the Thin Lizzy-covering Jailbreak paying salute to some of the greatest rock songs of all time. Down pints of Guinness and shots of Jameson while getting blasted by two sets of slammin' '70s rock jams. DJ Jake Rudh will display his Irish pride (not a euphemism) between sets with a foot-stomping hoedown, and the MN Police Pipe Band will be on hand for a bagpipe spectacular. Bring your shred-proof earplugs and be prepared for the dual guitar rock onslaught. -Robyn Lewis
Click HERE for the First Avenue site.
E.L.nO. photo by Chuck Olsen
SATURDAY, MARCH 17
Brief Candles / The Chambermaids / IS/IS
@ Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Avenue SE
Minneapolis
8pm / 21+ / $5
An evening of mystifying pop, grungy shoegaze and atmospheric indie-rock awaits you at the Kitty Cat Klub tonight. Milwaukee quartet Brief Candles will bring their modern day take on shoegaze and revamp remnants of '90s alternative rock. Their newest songs have an ethereal, experimental aesthetic akin to Explosions in the Sky, only with a more of a pop hook that's sure to catch your ear. Also on the lineup are the Twin Cities' own Chambermaids, whose latest single "Whirlpool" has a driving beat and a rough, experimental guitar melody that will have you hooked. The night kicks off with the grungy, witchy lady trio IS/IS, a local group with plenty of attitude and layers upon layers of dark and tantalizing melodies. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for the Facebook event.
Brief Candles
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
Hands High: St. Paddy’s Day Edition
@ Honey
205 E Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / $5
Put yo hands up in the air… again! Hands High is back in action with another fist raisin’, booty shakin’, groove-worthy dance installation at Northeast’s staple danceteria, Honey. Get down and dirty, St. Paddy's Day style, with Get Cryphy DJ (and P.O.S.'s backing DJ) Plain Ole Bill as he spins the hottest hip-hop grooves all night through. Presented by Greenwich Vintage and shop owner Mustache Mike, expect a very sweet surprise for the first gaggle of people to show up.
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
Disco Space Lady with Dirty McKenzie & SL8R
@ Clubhouse Jäger
923 Washington Avenue N
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / FREE
So, you dig disco? Sassy synth gets your motor started? Then you should head down to Warehouse District watering hole Clubhouse Jäger for DJs Dirty McKenzie and SL8R. We can pretty much guarantee any and everything you like about dance music – vocoders, drum machine beats, sexy synth build-ups – will be on tap during their monthly disco romp featuring four straight hours of sexy classic and nu-disco dance jams while '70s films screen in the background. -Jahna Peloquin
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
SUNDAY, MARCH 18TH
MODE: March 2012 Edition
@ Honey
205 E Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / $3
Focusing on sub-sonics and left field beats, monthly techno night MODE combines some of the Twin Cities' top DJs for the makings of a laidback, atmospheric Sunday night out. DJ Soviet Panda, known for helming weekly dance night Too Much Love, will be bringing the beats as will DJ Easy Rider of Konkrete Jungle and MODE's own resident DJs Heavy Arms and Westin. Rails are $4 and ladies if you hop in before 11 p.m. you won't pay a dime for admission. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: WIPING OUT THOUSANDS
It takes a fierce opening act to make the crowd forget about the headliner, but that's exactly what happened when local band Wiping Out Thousands opened for YACHT last month. Since then, the fair-haired duo has created quite the buzz producing a sound on par with St. Vincent and Phantogram featuring minimal beats layered with elements of trip hop and dubstep. Comprised of the New Monarch's Taylor Nelson and Alaine Dickman, WoT's self-released their first EP earlier this year on Bandcamp. Their latest single, “Mass Nerve,” which dropped on Monday, is an exciting mix of chillwave meets glitchy noisecore, softly lulled by Alaine's ethereal vocals. Keep up with Wiping Out Thousands and download free tracks at their Bandcamp page. Plus, don't miss the band live in-studio on Radio K next Friday and live at Hell's Kitchen Saturday, March 23rd. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for the Wiping Out Thousands Bandcamp site.
xo-l'étoile
THURSDAY, MARCH 15
Third Thursday at MIA: SportsCenter
6-9pm / FREE
@ Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Avenue S
Minneapolis
For this month's Third Thursday, the MIA is putting the aesthetics in athletics! View the ongoing "The Sports Show" exhibition, an installation of photography and video clips exploring the evolution of sports and their effects on social, political and cultural levels. Breaking a sweat is encouraged whether you are dancing to the beats of the World Class Art Thieves, trying your hand at fast-paced pub quizzes from Trivia Mafia, or competing at KINECT Season 2. At half-time, head over to the MAEP (Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program) Gallery for the opening receptions for "Standards" by Mark Ostapchuk and "90º South" by Chris Willcox, whose paintings will be the starting point for a performance by jazz vocalist Lee Engele and a discussion by physics professor Dr. Robert Jacobel. Also opening is the annual MCAD@MIA collaborative project "Field Inversion," a site-specific sculpture susspended along the Target Wing staircase by MCAD students Luke Axelson and Josh Ritenour. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for the MIA site.
THURSDAY, MARCH 15TH
"Lush Floral Refractions"
@ Nina Bliese Gallery
225 S 6th Street, Suite 100
Minneapolis
5-8pm / FREE
If our early spring has you longing for the still to come blooms of summer, the verdant abstractions of artist Polly Norman may tide you over for a few more weeks. Using a unique combination of distorted photography, photo enhancement, and hand painting techniques, Norman creates multi-layered floral vignettes that are never literal but always vibrant and engrossing. The variety and open texture of her work leaves the pieces open to endless individual interpretation while their luxuriant abstraction lends itself to appreciation on a purely aesthetic level. While Norman has worked with various non-representational styles in the past, this exhibit showcases a rich trove of large hand-painted works and is a great introduction to her abstract style. This truly lush exhibit will make you feel like Spring has in fact finally sprung, if only in the artist’s colorful prints. -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
THURSDAY, MARCH 15 & FRIDAY, MARCH 16
Robyne Robinson Lecture Series: "Women of Design: Matters of the Heart" & "The Impact of Global Urbanism on Art and Design"
4-7pm Thursday & 6:30-9:30pm Friday / FREE
@ International Market Square / Minneapolis Design Center (Thursday)
275 Market Street
Minneapolis
@ O'Shaughnessy Educational Center Auditorium & Gallery (Friday)
2115 Summit Avenue
St. Paul
This weekend, philanthropist, jewelry designer and art collector Robyne Robinson will be making two public appearances - and offering two chances to shop her designs. As part of the ongoing "Women of Design" series, on Thursday she will be in the Doncaster Studio at the International Market Square, where attendees will have the opportunity to meet the designer, browse her jewelry and hear how her business came to life. Friday at the University of St. Thomas, Robinson will give a lecture on global urbanism and its effect on art and design, which will be accompanied by an exhibition that includes dyed and beaded tea bags made by South African women, handcrafted for Robyne's ROX Jewelry line. Treating yourself or someone special to her jewelry is encouraged; the proceeds will go toward these women living in townships near Pretoria who donate it to children in Soshunguve and missionary work. Sounds like a win-win. Pieces from her art collection as well as her own jewelry will be on display. The exhibition will run through April 13 and a reception will follow the lecture in the gallery. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for Thursday's event invite and HERE for Friday's event.
THURSDAY, MARCH 15TH
Perish: The Funeral and the Twilight & Transitional Species
@ Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Avenue SE
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / FREE
Why chose between a night of dancing and an evening of live shows when you can have your cake and dance with it too? Kitty Cat Klub-hosted monthly series Perish rotates the best in live local post-punk, new wave, death rock, minimal synth, industrial and experimental – and everything else under the darkwave umbrella – bands with DJ-spun tunes of the same caliber. This month's installment features a live set from Christian Death-esque chamber organ rockers, The Funeral and the Twilight, plus live music from Transitional Species whose eerie DIY beats could fit as the background music to Satan's workhouse. In between sets, prime yourself for a feast of uber-dark dance-floor worthy tracks. The shadows are you friend. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
THURSDAY, MARCH 15TH
Lady O'Parts: Lass Sass
@ Clubhouse Jäger
923 Washington Avenue N
Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / Free
Looking for somewhere to back that ass up tonight? Look no further than Clubhouse Jäger, where lady DJ crew Lady Parts will be starting the St. Paddy's Day debauchery early. Susannah Dodge, Emily Roberts Holden, and Syril McNally will be flippin' hot wax for your dancing pleasure all the live-long night, complete with boozy delights, slung by none other than l'étoile's resident bitchelor, Robyn Lewis. There's a pot o'gold at the end of this rainbow - in the form of $5 Jamesons and $2.50 Miller High Live Tallboys.
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH
"365D: Three Hundred and Sixty Five Days of a Woman"
@ Icebox Gallery
1500 Jackson Street NE #443
Minneapolis
6-10pm / FREE
The relationship between the camera and the female portrait has long been fraught at best and oppressive at worst (i.e., that pesky "male gaze" your Cultural Studies professor was always going on about). At a particularly dark period of exploitative media representation of women in their home country of Italy, celebrated photographer Sham Hinchey and project director Marzia Messina set out to upend that paradigm of distortion they saw as the status quo. Their project consisted of a photographic survey of 365 Italian women (one per day for a year) from every sphere of society. The subjects are treated on an equal footing with their portraiture composed and lit to democratize their differences while highlighting each individual’s uniqueness. The exhibit - which has previously shown in Rome and Milan - offers a fascinating attempt to capture a sincere view of the modern Italian woman without either exploitation or sentimentality. Each photograph is displayed with the woman’s personal story of an incident in her life which happened on the day of the photo, a curatorial detail that adds depth and immediacy to each portrait. Ultimately the exhibit becomes as much about authenticity, individuality, and the chance to tell a personal story as about any political statement. These are universal themes that transcend a specific time or nation of origin and create an emotional viewing experience. -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Icebox Gallery site.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH
The "Just Vote No" Show
@ Bryant-Lake Bowl
810 W Lake St
Minneapolis
10pm (9:30pm doors) / $6-$24 sliding scale
If you're anything like us, watching the heated and seemingly endless debates over the Anti-Marriage Amendment more makes you want to lob something at the tv/radio than jauntily chuckle. Thankfully, local activist organization Outfront Minnesota has concocted an anti-amendment variety show and live commentary that puts a much needed satiric twist on the dispute. The one-night only performance features local burlesque performers Foxy Tann, Sweetpea and Nadine DuBois (pictured below), and Mistress Victoria Deville, plus cameos from comedic authors John Jodzio, Brian Beatty, Eric Vrooman, Matt Ryan, Matt Mauch, Regan Smith and Courtney Algeo. All proceeds benefit Outfront Minnesota, so give what you can and get ready to laugh the gay marriage ban blues away...at least for the night. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for the Bryant-Lake Bowl site.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)
Renovate – A Choreographer's Evening
@ Ritz Theater
345 13th Avenue NE
Minneapolis
8pm / $18
Highlighting an innovative and dynamic array of fresh faces and local veterans, the fifth annual choreographer's showcase "Renovate" releases its dexterous fury on the Ritz this weekend with an eclectic program not to be missed. Curated by Ballet of the Dolls member Lisa Conlin, Renovate's line-up features new works ranging from the contemporary to experimental from 12 local dancemakers including faves Jaime Carrera, who is debuting his latest dance work, "Residency," as well as Denise Armstead, Lindsay Anderson, Angharad Davies, Carrie Lande, Jennifer Mack, and Sarah LaRose-Holland. Riveting, provocative and audacious, this definitely isn't your granny's ballet. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for the Ritz Theater site.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH
Worldwide Discotheque
@ Clubhouse Jäger
923 Washington Avenue N
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / FREE
Get warmed up for St. Paddy’s Day, Club Jäger style, a day early with monthly all-vinyl DJ party Worldwide Discotheque. The dance party features DJ Brian Engel of Hotpants and Hipshaker fame and DJ Steely from the Kinda Cloudy Radio show on KFAI. Get ready to get funky - the masterfully mixed and endlessly dynamic old-school beats set the tone for the evening, spanning genres including funk, Afro Beat, disco, boogie, salsa, reggae, highlife, Cumbia, boogaloo, rocksteady, dancehall and ska. Adding an additional shot of spice to the evening is DJ D.O., who will make a guest appearance. -Stefani Arden
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH
Stutter Rock
@ Cause Spirits & Soundbar
3001 Lyndale Avenue S
Minneapolis
9pm / 21+ / $5
What's better than a stellar lineup of local bands rocking out at Cause for a measly five bucks? That would of course be a night of rock where all the proceeds benefit a great cause. The 12 Foundation hosts this awesome evening of music with all proceeds going to the National Stuttering Association as they help the nearly one in 20 Americans who suffer from stuttering get treatment and support to improve their quality of life. Stuttering has directly affected some of the artists and organizers of this event so they know first-hand how essential support can be. Beyond the warm and fuzzy feeling you'll get from helping out, the first rate lineup is sure to put on a kick-ass show. Local folk-pop artist Greg Thompson brings his charming and irreverent songs to the stage, while dark local rockers Ghost Towns of The West present a wall of complex aural soundscapes. Local folk-funk quintet Loki have just come just off a successful EP release and are an exciting live act to catch. We're loving the good vibes of this show so come on out, be entertained and rack up a couple of much needed karma points of your own! -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
Ghost Towns of the WestFRIDAY, MARCH 16TH
Wants Vs Needs
@ The Record Room at First Avenue
701 1st Avenue N
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / $5
All right, sure, there’s a slew of dance parties around town ever weekend, but the monthly Wants Vs. Needs is nothing to scoff at. The ultra-talented crew of DJs Petey Wheatstraw, Espada, Anton, Booka B and So Gold practically guarantee a no-frills night of hip-hop, disco, and R&B that should appeal to vinyl heads and those simply looking to get their groove on alike. In addition to it being Espada's birthday (oh snap!) they'll also have limited-edition shirts designed by The Pressure™ to give away. It's a night you won't want to miss.
Click HERE for the First avenue site.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
"The Light/Dark Show: Isolating the Senses"
@ The Third Place Gallery
3730 Chicago Avenue S
Minneapolis
7pm / $5-$10 suggested donation
In a decade of constant stimulation by an overwhelming array of ads, images, visuals and audio, sometimes we yearn for a moment of silence – even if it means missing an email. Before you hit up Google search for the nearest isolation tank, take a peek at Yes!Let's Collective's latest kinesthesiac exhibit, "The Light/Dark Show: Isolating the Senses," hosted by noted local photographer Wing Young Huie's gallery, the Third Place. Playing with the concepts of perception and deprivation, the Light/Dark artists take their audience through a world first devoid of sound, then through complete darkness, forcing the audience to rely on their remaining senses to soak up the experience. The exhibit features art from locals Colin Kopp (pictured below), Ali Rogers, Bridget Blatzheim, Alfonso Fernandez and more, and ends with an interactive discussion with the artists.
Click HERE for Wing Young Huie's site.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
40 Days of Art with Venus
@ Venus’ Studio
212 3rd Avenue N, #8B
Minneapolis
9pm / pay what you can
Local artist and infamous gender-bending performer Venus DeMars of All the Pretty Horses hosts the third of four planned in-studio events mixing acoustic performance, poetry, and art in a casual, creative environment. Venus will perform an acoustic set along with local poet and spoken word performer Jeffery Skemp and East Cost singer-songwriter Mercury Mad. Skemp is well know in local poetry circles both for his written work and his strong poetry performances that often mix music and poetry. Mercury Mad shares a gender-ambiguous glam rock gene with Venus and with his band The Plastic Bitch's rocks the edge of gender-slam performance. Mercury's set this evening will be sans electric shredding and stripped down to the acoustic essence. Venus's lovely “tiny paintings” will also be on exhibit and if you haven't yet seen them they're well worth checking out. BIOONUS: If you can't make it out you can watch a live stream of the proceedings at www.venusdemars.com. -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
The Mad Ripple St. Paddy’s Day Hoot for Slim Dunlap
@ Amsterdam Bar and Hall
6 W 6th Street
St. Paul
8pm / 21+ / FREE
Bring your St. Paddy’s Day spirit and come celebrate the music of rock singer-songwriter and former Replacements guitarist Slim Dunlap. The local musician and patron saint of the Hoot recently suffered from a stroke, so this Saturday, his friends, fellow musicians and fans alike are invited to gather and celebrate his ever-growing, steady progress toward recovery. The “Hoot” - AKA The Mad Ripple Hootenanny - is a roundtable call-and-response smorgasbord, bringing countless singers and songwriters together in the name of sharing and making music. Tonight's colorful lineup of local musicians will perform songs by Slim, written about Slim and covers inspired by Slim. Come share your light, love, and music, and drink to the health and strong spirit of Slim Dunlap. -Stefani Arden
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17
"Sammy the Mouse Vol. 1" & "TOOTH" Release Event
@ Big Table Studio
375 Wabasha Street N
St. Paul
7-10pm / FREE
Though the world has already seen the publication of the third of the four-volume "Sammy the Mouse" series by Zak Sally, the nationally-renowned comic book artist (and former bassist in slowcore band Low) is celebrating the formal hard copy release of Volume 1 with a release party at St. Paul's Big Table Studio. The Duluth native's surreal masterpiece utilizes a traditional, 1920s-inspired comic strip style of cartooning - seemingly as a template to explore some deeply personal aspects of the comic artist's own life. Joining him will be fellow cartoonist Dale Flattum, whose recently released tome TOOTH: The Graphic Art of Dale Flattum showcases 25 years of his graphic art throughout 250 pages, mixing posters, illustrations and propaganda into a semi-autobiographical history as told through a Xerox machine. It also incorporates his musical past via the addition of a CD of music pulled from the author’s shady nine year musical past in the bands Steel Pole Bath Tub, Milk Cult, The Nein, and Agent Nova. -Jahna Peloquin
Click HERE for the Big Table Studio site.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
Pot o’ Gold Lamé Bike Ride
@ starts at Freewheel Midtown Bike Center
2834 10th Avenue S
Minneapolis
5-7pm / FREE
Oh no, you are not seriously considering going out on St. Paddy's day in that shamrock ensemble are you? Gurl, don't you know it's been decreed that all the sexiest lads and lasses shall only cover their asses in gold - lamé, of course, anything else would be lame - on this the most holy of drinking days? We'll maybe you didn't know, cause we're pretty sure the cheeky folks over at the Queer Bike Gang just made that rule up to supercharge the sexy on their already smokin' bike event. If you don't own any gold lamé there's no need to panic, the organizers also encourage any apparel that's sparkly, shiny, spandex, fluorescent, iridescent, glittery and/or sequined. We're thinking picture what your favorite contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race would wear under the circumstances and then kick it up a notch! And hell, if you think you can pull it off, even your birthday suit may be enough for the predicted 77 degree temps. Who needs green beer when you can bike your sexy gams off with the QBG and all the Pot o' Gold-clad hotties! -Anthony Enright
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
St. Patrick's Day at First Avenue with E.L.nO.
@ First Avenue
701 1st Avenue N
Minneapolis
6pm / 18+ / $7
Looking for the best place to get paddy whacked this St. Patrick's day, bragh? Go green at First Avenue with E.L.nO. and the Thin Lizzy-covering Jailbreak paying salute to some of the greatest rock songs of all time. Down pints of Guinness and shots of Jameson while getting blasted by two sets of slammin' '70s rock jams. DJ Jake Rudh will display his Irish pride (not a euphemism) between sets with a foot-stomping hoedown, and the MN Police Pipe Band will be on hand for a bagpipe spectacular. Bring your shred-proof earplugs and be prepared for the dual guitar rock onslaught. -Robyn Lewis
Click HERE for the First Avenue site.
E.L.nO. photo by Chuck OlsenSATURDAY, MARCH 17
Brief Candles / The Chambermaids / IS/IS
@ Kitty Cat Klub
315 14th Avenue SE
Minneapolis
8pm / 21+ / $5
An evening of mystifying pop, grungy shoegaze and atmospheric indie-rock awaits you at the Kitty Cat Klub tonight. Milwaukee quartet Brief Candles will bring their modern day take on shoegaze and revamp remnants of '90s alternative rock. Their newest songs have an ethereal, experimental aesthetic akin to Explosions in the Sky, only with a more of a pop hook that's sure to catch your ear. Also on the lineup are the Twin Cities' own Chambermaids, whose latest single "Whirlpool" has a driving beat and a rough, experimental guitar melody that will have you hooked. The night kicks off with the grungy, witchy lady trio IS/IS, a local group with plenty of attitude and layers upon layers of dark and tantalizing melodies. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for the Facebook event.
Brief CandlesSATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
Hands High: St. Paddy’s Day Edition
@ Honey
205 E Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / $5
Put yo hands up in the air… again! Hands High is back in action with another fist raisin’, booty shakin’, groove-worthy dance installation at Northeast’s staple danceteria, Honey. Get down and dirty, St. Paddy's Day style, with Get Cryphy DJ (and P.O.S.'s backing DJ) Plain Ole Bill as he spins the hottest hip-hop grooves all night through. Presented by Greenwich Vintage and shop owner Mustache Mike, expect a very sweet surprise for the first gaggle of people to show up.
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH
Disco Space Lady with Dirty McKenzie & SL8R
@ Clubhouse Jäger
923 Washington Avenue N
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / FREE
So, you dig disco? Sassy synth gets your motor started? Then you should head down to Warehouse District watering hole Clubhouse Jäger for DJs Dirty McKenzie and SL8R. We can pretty much guarantee any and everything you like about dance music – vocoders, drum machine beats, sexy synth build-ups – will be on tap during their monthly disco romp featuring four straight hours of sexy classic and nu-disco dance jams while '70s films screen in the background. -Jahna Peloquin
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
SUNDAY, MARCH 18TH
MODE: March 2012 Edition
@ Honey
205 E Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / $3
Focusing on sub-sonics and left field beats, monthly techno night MODE combines some of the Twin Cities' top DJs for the makings of a laidback, atmospheric Sunday night out. DJ Soviet Panda, known for helming weekly dance night Too Much Love, will be bringing the beats as will DJ Easy Rider of Konkrete Jungle and MODE's own resident DJs Heavy Arms and Westin. Rails are $4 and ladies if you hop in before 11 p.m. you won't pay a dime for admission. -Meg Junkermeier
Click HERE for the Facebook invite.
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: WIPING OUT THOUSANDS
It takes a fierce opening act to make the crowd forget about the headliner, but that's exactly what happened when local band Wiping Out Thousands opened for YACHT last month. Since then, the fair-haired duo has created quite the buzz producing a sound on par with St. Vincent and Phantogram featuring minimal beats layered with elements of trip hop and dubstep. Comprised of the New Monarch's Taylor Nelson and Alaine Dickman, WoT's self-released their first EP earlier this year on Bandcamp. Their latest single, “Mass Nerve,” which dropped on Monday, is an exciting mix of chillwave meets glitchy noisecore, softly lulled by Alaine's ethereal vocals. Keep up with Wiping Out Thousands and download free tracks at their Bandcamp page. Plus, don't miss the band live in-studio on Radio K next Friday and live at Hell's Kitchen Saturday, March 23rd. -Juleana Enright
Click HERE for the Wiping Out Thousands Bandcamp site.
Mass Nerve (Official Video) from Wiping out Thousands on Vimeo.
Editor in Chief: Jahna Peloquin / Contributors: Juleana Enright, Jahna Peloquin, Stefani Arden, Anthony Enright, Robyn Lewis, Meg JunkermeierMonday, March 12, 2012
l'etoile's Guide to Sales & Shopping: 3/13-3/19
This week in local fashion and shopping news, a renowned local designer is on the move, a local boutique closes, and a local shop debuts an exclusive collection from a former Twin Cities designer.
Through March 31: A. Michele Closing Sale
What: A. Michele is stripping its hangers and packing its bags, but leaving their adoring fans to pick up the pieces. Visit the adored Parisian-styled boutique for the chance to scoop up the vintage pieces, one-of-a-kind tops and must-have accessories you secretly wanted but couldn't quite convince yourself to buy. Take 50 to 90 percent off all clothes, accessories and jewelry (excluding consignment jewelry items) until the shop closes on or before March 31. Head to the shop as soon as you can - their beloved items will disappear even quicker than you think. -Meg Junkermeier
When: Closed Mondays; Tuesdays-Thursdays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays: noon-4 p.m. Through March 31.
Where: 1591 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, 651-917-6966. Click HERE for the shop's Facebook page.
News alert: Kevin Kramp announces move to Italy
Some bittersweet news from local knitwear designer Kevin Kramp came in over the weekend: the Minnesota native is making the move to Italy to work for Diesel this month. It was all but inevitable, as the designer spent ten years working in New York and London before returning to Minnesota two years ago. Since then, he's shown as Milan and New York fashion weeks, received a prestigious ITS design award, and was featured in Vogue Italia and Belgium Elle as an "new talent." But despite his international renown, he embraced the Twin Cities fashion community, showing as part of MNfashion Week's "The Shows" in April 2011 (a collection that would later hit the Milan Fashion Week runway) and winning a Jerome Foundation grant that included an exhibition at the Textile Center, as well as creating custom garments for Minneapolis-via-Berlin avant-garde electronic pop group Dearling Physique. We wish the designer the best, but he'll be sorely missed. -Jahna Peloquin (Image courtesy SID Magazine)
Now in stores: Pierrepont Hicks exclusive "Woody" tie at Walker Shop
What: While men were busy coordinating their dress shirts with ties of plaid and stripes, Pierrepont Hicks was busy designing a tie more rustic than the rest of their collection. Made strictly of silk, the Woodgrain Necktie honors the Minnesota scenery with a design timely for Spring fashion season. The necktie is a work of art by Mac and Kat McMillan, decorated in a wood grain pattern and amplified with bold shades of brown. Like the other ties by the husband-and-wife-team, this one can be creatively paired with jackets and dress shirts, its unique design is sure to draw in any bit of attention. This design made exclusively for the Walker Art Center is available at The Walker Shop for $120. Quantities are limited; when ordering this tie it will arrive gift-wrapped in a wooden box. -Meg Junkermeier
When: Now available.
Where: Walker Shop at Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-375-7633 & at shop.walkerart.org
Now in stores: Annie Larson sweaters at Askov Finlayson
What: Minneapolis-turned-Brooklyn designer Annie Larson has received international acclaim as of late, with features in Time Out New York, Refinery29, and Coolhunting.com, and her line ALL Knitwear sold in stores around the world. Though the designer no longer calls Minneapolis home, Larson's colorful, patterned sweater line (which retails for $200 to 280) has been picked up by Warehouse District boutique Askov Finlayson, which sold out of her line of knit hats last fall. One of only a handful of retailers in the world) to sell Annie Larson's limited-edition line, it's quite the coup for the shop - and for her local fans. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Now available.
Where: Askov Finlayson, 200 N 1st Street, Minneapohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giflis, 612-206-3925, www.askovfinlayson.com
Now in stores: Marimekko Spring 2010 at FinnStyle
What: For lovers of Finnish design, one of Minneapolis' best-kept secrets has to be FinnStyle, an exclusive seller of Merimekko fashions and home decor for over nine years. Unsurprisingly, Marimekko's Spring 2012 fashion line should keep fans of the iconic, pop art-inspired line happy - it's filled with oversized, colorful floral prints, bold stripes in swingy, '60s-inspired silhouettes. Head to the store to check out the looks in person, or swing by the store's internationally-known online shop. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Now available.
Where: FinnStyle, 160 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-333-2127, www.finnstyle.com
Thursday-Saturday: Penny Larsen Trunk Show
What: Local jewelry favorite Penny Larsen presents her Spring 2012 collection with a weekend-long trunk show at L'atelier Couture bridal boutique. Meet the designer, peruse the collection, and place orders for custom pieces whether you're a bride-to-be or just looking for a new piece to add to your collection (we love her sterling silver Minnesota state pendants). Call 612-367-8120 to schedule an appointment. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Thursday, March 15-Saturday, March 17.
Where: L'atelier Couture, 219 Second Street North, Suite 404, Minneapolis, 612-367-8120, www.lateliercouturebridal.com
Through April 10: Mezzanine Salon 5th Anniversary
What: To celebrate ten years of business, independent salon Mezzanine is offering 20% off Kerastase and Shu Uemura products when you get a hair service done, and 20% off Dermalogica with any skincare services done with Kallie.
When: Now through April 10.
Where: Mezzanine Salon, 2225 E Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-333-9913, www.mezzaninesalon.com
Thursday-Saturday: The Current Event at Neiman Marcus
What: We count ourselves lucky to have a designer retailer with such a storied history as Neiman Marcus lining Nicollet Mall. With this weekend's "The Current Event," the store is making it clear that despite their past, they've still got their eye on the here and now. Get a crash course on spring's latest trends and receive an NM Exclusive Moyna clutch when you spend $350 on regular-priced pieces in Contemporary Sportswear or Dress Collections, plus $50 off your purchase when you spend $500 or more. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Thursday, March 15-Saturday, March 17.
Where: Neiman Marcus, 505 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-339-2600, www.neimanmarcus.com
Beginning Thursday: ID Inside Design Clearance Sale
What: ID Inside Design makes room for new inventory by offering deals on luxury home furnishings. Receive 15% off Missoni, 20% off Jonathan Adler, and 20–25% off Ligne Roset floor models.
When: Sale runs March 15–24.
Where: ID Inside Design, 212 3rd Avenue Ste. 105, Minneapolis, 612-317-0045, id-insidedesign.com
Friday: Genetic Denim Trunk Show at Stephanie's
What: St. Paul boutique Stephanie's hosts a trunk show for designer denim line Genetic this Friday. Take 30% off any pair of Genetic Denim during the trunk show. Plus, if you bring in a pair of clean, gently used jeans to donate to charity you'll receive an additional 10% off. Genetic's denim guru will on hand with a preview of fall styles that can be special ordered only on Friday, with all special orders receiving 15% off. Afterward, stick around for extended hours to enjoy treats and shop the rest of the store - all new spring merchandise storewide will be 15% off for one day only. -Jahna Peloquin
When: 2-8 p.m. Friday, March 16.
Where: Stephanie's Shop, 758 Cleveland Avenue S, St. Paul, 651-690-3802, www.stephaniesshop.com
Beginning Saturday: Grethen House 30% Off Sale
What: Designer boutique Grethen House offers its first markdowns of the season beginning this weekend. Take 30% off designers like Comme des Garçons, Maison Martin Margiela, Yigal Azrouël, Gunex, Rozae Nichols, Theyskens' Theory, and Rick Owens.
When: Ongoing.
Where: Grethen House, 4930 France Avenue, Edina, 952-926-8725, www.grethenhouse.com
Editor: Jahna Peloquin / Contributing Writer: Meg Junkermeier
Through March 31: A. Michele Closing SaleWhat: A. Michele is stripping its hangers and packing its bags, but leaving their adoring fans to pick up the pieces. Visit the adored Parisian-styled boutique for the chance to scoop up the vintage pieces, one-of-a-kind tops and must-have accessories you secretly wanted but couldn't quite convince yourself to buy. Take 50 to 90 percent off all clothes, accessories and jewelry (excluding consignment jewelry items) until the shop closes on or before March 31. Head to the shop as soon as you can - their beloved items will disappear even quicker than you think. -Meg Junkermeier
When: Closed Mondays; Tuesdays-Thursdays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays: noon-4 p.m. Through March 31.
Where: 1591 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, 651-917-6966. Click HERE for the shop's Facebook page.
News alert: Kevin Kramp announces move to ItalySome bittersweet news from local knitwear designer Kevin Kramp came in over the weekend: the Minnesota native is making the move to Italy to work for Diesel this month. It was all but inevitable, as the designer spent ten years working in New York and London before returning to Minnesota two years ago. Since then, he's shown as Milan and New York fashion weeks, received a prestigious ITS design award, and was featured in Vogue Italia and Belgium Elle as an "new talent." But despite his international renown, he embraced the Twin Cities fashion community, showing as part of MNfashion Week's "The Shows" in April 2011 (a collection that would later hit the Milan Fashion Week runway) and winning a Jerome Foundation grant that included an exhibition at the Textile Center, as well as creating custom garments for Minneapolis-via-Berlin avant-garde electronic pop group Dearling Physique. We wish the designer the best, but he'll be sorely missed. -Jahna Peloquin (Image courtesy SID Magazine)
Now in stores: Pierrepont Hicks exclusive "Woody" tie at Walker ShopWhat: While men were busy coordinating their dress shirts with ties of plaid and stripes, Pierrepont Hicks was busy designing a tie more rustic than the rest of their collection. Made strictly of silk, the Woodgrain Necktie honors the Minnesota scenery with a design timely for Spring fashion season. The necktie is a work of art by Mac and Kat McMillan, decorated in a wood grain pattern and amplified with bold shades of brown. Like the other ties by the husband-and-wife-team, this one can be creatively paired with jackets and dress shirts, its unique design is sure to draw in any bit of attention. This design made exclusively for the Walker Art Center is available at The Walker Shop for $120. Quantities are limited; when ordering this tie it will arrive gift-wrapped in a wooden box. -Meg Junkermeier
When: Now available.
Where: Walker Shop at Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-375-7633 & at shop.walkerart.org
Now in stores: Annie Larson sweaters at Askov FinlaysonWhat: Minneapolis-turned-Brooklyn designer Annie Larson has received international acclaim as of late, with features in Time Out New York, Refinery29, and Coolhunting.com, and her line ALL Knitwear sold in stores around the world. Though the designer no longer calls Minneapolis home, Larson's colorful, patterned sweater line (which retails for $200 to 280) has been picked up by Warehouse District boutique Askov Finlayson, which sold out of her line of knit hats last fall. One of only a handful of retailers in the world) to sell Annie Larson's limited-edition line, it's quite the coup for the shop - and for her local fans. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Now available.
Where: Askov Finlayson, 200 N 1st Street, Minneapohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giflis, 612-206-3925, www.askovfinlayson.com
Now in stores: Marimekko Spring 2010 at FinnStyleWhat: For lovers of Finnish design, one of Minneapolis' best-kept secrets has to be FinnStyle, an exclusive seller of Merimekko fashions and home decor for over nine years. Unsurprisingly, Marimekko's Spring 2012 fashion line should keep fans of the iconic, pop art-inspired line happy - it's filled with oversized, colorful floral prints, bold stripes in swingy, '60s-inspired silhouettes. Head to the store to check out the looks in person, or swing by the store's internationally-known online shop. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Now available.
Where: FinnStyle, 160 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-333-2127, www.finnstyle.com
Thursday-Saturday: Penny Larsen Trunk ShowWhat: Local jewelry favorite Penny Larsen presents her Spring 2012 collection with a weekend-long trunk show at L'atelier Couture bridal boutique. Meet the designer, peruse the collection, and place orders for custom pieces whether you're a bride-to-be or just looking for a new piece to add to your collection (we love her sterling silver Minnesota state pendants). Call 612-367-8120 to schedule an appointment. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Thursday, March 15-Saturday, March 17.
Where: L'atelier Couture, 219 Second Street North, Suite 404, Minneapolis, 612-367-8120, www.lateliercouturebridal.com
Through April 10: Mezzanine Salon 5th Anniversary
What: To celebrate ten years of business, independent salon Mezzanine is offering 20% off Kerastase and Shu Uemura products when you get a hair service done, and 20% off Dermalogica with any skincare services done with Kallie.
When: Now through April 10.
Where: Mezzanine Salon, 2225 E Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-333-9913, www.mezzaninesalon.com
Thursday-Saturday: The Current Event at Neiman MarcusWhat: We count ourselves lucky to have a designer retailer with such a storied history as Neiman Marcus lining Nicollet Mall. With this weekend's "The Current Event," the store is making it clear that despite their past, they've still got their eye on the here and now. Get a crash course on spring's latest trends and receive an NM Exclusive Moyna clutch when you spend $350 on regular-priced pieces in Contemporary Sportswear or Dress Collections, plus $50 off your purchase when you spend $500 or more. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Thursday, March 15-Saturday, March 17.
Where: Neiman Marcus, 505 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-339-2600, www.neimanmarcus.com
Beginning Thursday: ID Inside Design Clearance SaleWhat: ID Inside Design makes room for new inventory by offering deals on luxury home furnishings. Receive 15% off Missoni, 20% off Jonathan Adler, and 20–25% off Ligne Roset floor models.
When: Sale runs March 15–24.
Where: ID Inside Design, 212 3rd Avenue Ste. 105, Minneapolis, 612-317-0045, id-insidedesign.com
Friday: Genetic Denim Trunk Show at Stephanie'sWhat: St. Paul boutique Stephanie's hosts a trunk show for designer denim line Genetic this Friday. Take 30% off any pair of Genetic Denim during the trunk show. Plus, if you bring in a pair of clean, gently used jeans to donate to charity you'll receive an additional 10% off. Genetic's denim guru will on hand with a preview of fall styles that can be special ordered only on Friday, with all special orders receiving 15% off. Afterward, stick around for extended hours to enjoy treats and shop the rest of the store - all new spring merchandise storewide will be 15% off for one day only. -Jahna Peloquin
When: 2-8 p.m. Friday, March 16.
Where: Stephanie's Shop, 758 Cleveland Avenue S, St. Paul, 651-690-3802, www.stephaniesshop.com
Beginning Saturday: Grethen House 30% Off SaleWhat: Designer boutique Grethen House offers its first markdowns of the season beginning this weekend. Take 30% off designers like Comme des Garçons, Maison Martin Margiela, Yigal Azrouël, Gunex, Rozae Nichols, Theyskens' Theory, and Rick Owens.
When: Ongoing.
Where: Grethen House, 4930 France Avenue, Edina, 952-926-8725, www.grethenhouse.com
Editor: Jahna Peloquin / Contributing Writer: Meg Junkermeier
The Godfather: Coppola's Decline of a Family
In commemorating the fortieth anniversary of The Godfather, for the next two weeks l'étoile staff writer Niles Schwartz of The Niles Files will be posting a series of thoughts on Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo's three-film Corleone chronicle. As he publishes subsequent posts, links will be readily available to the other installments.
Even though The Godfather trilogy is canonical and part of a collective cultural consciousness, it appears that fewer people have actually taken the time to watch it. This is unfortunate, because as a post-modern pop-culture consumes the modernist epic and processes it as a series of sound-bites and familiar images, the most stirring ruminations about ourselves that are embedded in the films, whether as part of a nation or as solitary individuals floating through time, are lost. What’s eclipsed is the mournful story of a son reflected against the legend of his father; our sense of history so loses dimension. Since Barack Obama’s election in 2008, the friction of the “American” idea has become more intense. Tea Party stories of rugged individualism, prosperity, acquiring power, and the virtue of selfishness are sparring against the status anxiety of the Occupy movement. The Godfather engages us in the same dialectic of America. The more I watch The Godfather trilogy, as I do at least once a year, the more it’s apparent that it is the cinematic equivalent of the “Great American Novel,” unveiling through an 80+ year narrative of an immigrant family's rise and decline in conjunction with changing times. The story of Vito and Michael Corleone is one of survival, prosperity, decadence, and ultimately annihilation; yet I wonder if the reason these films are adored so much by so many people – and respected by many who haven’t even seen them – has to do with how the story if interpreted as a fairy tale of strength and individual achievement. We project our personal fantasies onto the Corleones.
This has long-been Coppola’s reasoning for why the rushed epilogue, Part III, was a mild disappointment (contrary to popular opinion, it was not received in 1990 as a monumental failure; but being merely “sufficient” or even "very good" is insufficient for a Godfather picture). The reason why people loved the Corleones was because they were unbeatable. Indeed, a trait that Michael Corleone inherits from his father is an inability to be killed, something that proves to be ironically tragic for him. No matter how many forces aligned against them, manifested in rival Mafia heads, corrupt public officials, stool pigeons, double-crossing business partners, and even the Roman Catholic Church, the Corleones always win. Superficially, The Godfather and The Godfather Part II comprise the great American fantasy: the enemies who put one’s family in peril are justly punished in ways that are as memorable as Dante’s scenes in Hell. The film give our repressed sadism an outlet. Yet although the Corleones again tie up the loose ends in Part III, Michael is a different character. No longer a man of reptilian calculation, he is diseased and tired, laden by guilt and depression, attempting to be a statesman and legitimate businessman. Though the flaws in Part III warrant criticism, the wide dismissal of it leads to that question of why we love the first two parts. The success of the Corleones, which we emulate, is actually a failure; it is the death of a man’s soul and the decay of morality. Part III wears ecclesiastical colors along with its shadows and autumnal light; Don Vito or the younger Michael would never pray in front of a corpse, or confess their sins to a priest. America has a history of not wanting to be introspective with its history, and that’s precisely what the aging Michael Corleone is trying to do. This year's inevitable Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, has a book, after all, called No Apologies.
Continue reading "The Godfather: Coppola's Decline of a Family" at The Niles Files.
Even though The Godfather trilogy is canonical and part of a collective cultural consciousness, it appears that fewer people have actually taken the time to watch it. This is unfortunate, because as a post-modern pop-culture consumes the modernist epic and processes it as a series of sound-bites and familiar images, the most stirring ruminations about ourselves that are embedded in the films, whether as part of a nation or as solitary individuals floating through time, are lost. What’s eclipsed is the mournful story of a son reflected against the legend of his father; our sense of history so loses dimension. Since Barack Obama’s election in 2008, the friction of the “American” idea has become more intense. Tea Party stories of rugged individualism, prosperity, acquiring power, and the virtue of selfishness are sparring against the status anxiety of the Occupy movement. The Godfather engages us in the same dialectic of America. The more I watch The Godfather trilogy, as I do at least once a year, the more it’s apparent that it is the cinematic equivalent of the “Great American Novel,” unveiling through an 80+ year narrative of an immigrant family's rise and decline in conjunction with changing times. The story of Vito and Michael Corleone is one of survival, prosperity, decadence, and ultimately annihilation; yet I wonder if the reason these films are adored so much by so many people – and respected by many who haven’t even seen them – has to do with how the story if interpreted as a fairy tale of strength and individual achievement. We project our personal fantasies onto the Corleones.
This has long-been Coppola’s reasoning for why the rushed epilogue, Part III, was a mild disappointment (contrary to popular opinion, it was not received in 1990 as a monumental failure; but being merely “sufficient” or even "very good" is insufficient for a Godfather picture). The reason why people loved the Corleones was because they were unbeatable. Indeed, a trait that Michael Corleone inherits from his father is an inability to be killed, something that proves to be ironically tragic for him. No matter how many forces aligned against them, manifested in rival Mafia heads, corrupt public officials, stool pigeons, double-crossing business partners, and even the Roman Catholic Church, the Corleones always win. Superficially, The Godfather and The Godfather Part II comprise the great American fantasy: the enemies who put one’s family in peril are justly punished in ways that are as memorable as Dante’s scenes in Hell. The film give our repressed sadism an outlet. Yet although the Corleones again tie up the loose ends in Part III, Michael is a different character. No longer a man of reptilian calculation, he is diseased and tired, laden by guilt and depression, attempting to be a statesman and legitimate businessman. Though the flaws in Part III warrant criticism, the wide dismissal of it leads to that question of why we love the first two parts. The success of the Corleones, which we emulate, is actually a failure; it is the death of a man’s soul and the decay of morality. Part III wears ecclesiastical colors along with its shadows and autumnal light; Don Vito or the younger Michael would never pray in front of a corpse, or confess their sins to a priest. America has a history of not wanting to be introspective with its history, and that’s precisely what the aging Michael Corleone is trying to do. This year's inevitable Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, has a book, after all, called No Apologies.
Continue reading "The Godfather: Coppola's Decline of a Family" at The Niles Files.
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